NASCAR, the renowned American motorsport series, is stirring up controversy and sparking heated debates among fans as it explores the possibility of returning to a classic track in Montreal.

Sources reveal that NASCAR is currently engaged in discussions with entities in Montreal to bring the racing series back to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as early as next year, a track that has previously hosted events from 2007 to 2012 with its Xfinity Series. This potential return marks a significant development, as it could involve NASCAR’s premier Cup Series for the first time.

Expanding its global presence has been a key objective for NASCAR, as highlighted by COO Steve O’Donnell’s earlier statements regarding potential Cup Series races in Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Montreal has emerged as one of the cities under consideration for hosting such races. However, the negotiations are ongoing and have not yet reached a final agreement. The proposed races may face further delays beyond 2024 or even the possibility of no deal at all. Both NASCAR and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve declined to comment on the discussions, leaving fans and experts speculating about the potential outcome.

NASCAR Plans To Expand To Montreal in 2024

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on the picturesque Notre Dame Island in Montreal, holds a significant place in motorsport history. constructed in 1965 for the 1967 World Expo, the track has hosted various motorsport series, including Formula 1, Champ Car, NASCAR’s Canadian Pinty Series, and the Trans-Am Series. In 2018, the city-funded extensive renovations worth $60 million to modernize the venue, signaling its commitment to supporting motorsport events.

The 2024 schedule is crucial for NASCAR as it marks the final year of its current 10-year media rights agreement with Fox Sports and NBC Sports. President Steve Phelps previously stated that the 2024 schedule would be the most ambitious in terms of introducing new markets and tracks. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s SVP of Racing Development & Strategy, confirmed that plans for the 2024 schedule are already in motion. However, the inclusion of Montreal in the schedule raises questions about which existing track might lose a race if the proposal comes to fruition.

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As NASCAR enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the 2024 schedule, reactions among fans have been mixed. Some expressed excitement about the potential return of the Montreal race, while others voiced concerns about an overemphasis on road courses. The sentiment of a few fans indicates a desire to preserve the traditional oval racing that has been a cornerstone of NASCAR’s identity.

“Too many road/street courses. Please stop.”

One fan voiced frustration, stating, “I’m going to lose my shit if we get ANOTHER road course on the schedule. If they do run here, they need to take a road course race off the schedule and add Rockingham.”

Another fan echoed these sentiments, “If it replaces an oval I won’t be watching it these rd courses are getting out of control nascar isn’t about rd courses that’s what F1 is for,” emphasizing that NASCAR should focus on its oval racing heritage, as road courses are more synonymous with Formula 1.

Some fans have even called for the removal of a road course from the existing schedule before adding another one, “Only, and I mean ONLY if they get rid of a road course that’s currently on the schedule. We already have 4 too many, we definitely don’t need to add another one” 

As NASCAR continues to navigate the evolving landscape of motorsport, the potential return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve raises both excitement and concern among fans. The decision to include Montreal in the 2024 schedule, if it materializes, will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the sport. NASCAR aims to strike a delicate balance between catering to its passionate fanbase and expanding its global footprint, a task that requires careful consideration.

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